Should I go to a repair shop or a 4S store for scratched car paint?
2 Answers
It is better to go to a 4S store for scratched car paint. Use stickers instead of spray painting: You can use stickers instead of spray painting. This method is relatively simple and quick. Just paste the damaged part directly, and it will not affect the normal use of the motor vehicle. It is a very good method. The sticker used needs to be the same color as the original car paint to avoid different colors after large-area pasting, which is considered a violation of traffic regulations. Precautions for car paint repair: Check the smoothness of the paint surface. Generally, the paint surface should be free of pitting, impurities, and paint flow. Check whether the color is consistent with the original car paint. The new paint surface should be basically the same as the original factory paint surface. It is generally recommended to check the paint surface under sunlight, as the color is greatly affected by light.
I suggest getting a small scratch checked at a local repair shop first—it's usually the most cost-effective option. Repair shops charge significantly less than dealerships; for everyday scratches, you can get it fixed for around 400-500 RMB, whereas dealerships might start at over 1,000 RMB—the extra money could cover half a year's fuel costs. Location-wise, neighborhood repair shops offer convenience with no need for appointments or long waits, while dealerships are often in suburban areas, making the trip time-consuming. For minor scratches that haven’t damaged the base coat, repair shop technicians can handle it with sanding, polishing, and touch-up paint—good enough for daily use. However, if the scratch is deep or exposes metal, a dealership is safer since they use OEM-matched paint to avoid color mismatch. Always pick a reputable shop—don’t just go for the cheapest option. Overall, it saves both money and hassle.
